Summary
Overview
Work History
Philanthropy & Advocacy
Board of Directors
Awards
Author & Speaker
Timeline
Generic

Misty Copeland

Summary

Misty Copeland is an internationally acclaimed ballerina, author, and advocate for representation and accessibility in the arts. As the first African American woman promoted to Principal Dancer at the American Ballet Theatre (ABT), she has redefined classical ballet and shattered long-standing barriers in the art form. Through her performances, mentorship, and entrepreneurial endeavors, Misty inspires audiences and future generations with her artistry, resilience, and dedication to empowering underrepresented voices in ballet and beyond.

Overview

24
24
years of professional experience

Work History

Principal Dancer

American Ballet Theatre (ABT)
01.2001 - Current
  • Began ballet studies at the late age of 13 and joined ABT's Studio Company in 2000
  • Promoted to Soloist in 2007 and Principal Dancer in 2015, the first African American woman in ABT's 75-year history to achieve this milestone
  • Originated and performed iconic roles, including the title role in Firebird (2012) and Clara in The Nutcracker (2014), both choreographed by Alexei Ratmansky
  • Achieved critical acclaim for lead roles in Swan Lake and Romeo & Juliet

Founder

Misty Copeland Foundation
01.2022 - Current
  • Established to provide greater access, equity, and opportunity in ballet for underrepresented communities
  • The foundation's BE BOLD program currently introduces over 400 children in 14 community sites in Harlem and the Bronx to ballet in an inclusive, supportive environment, addressing systemic inequities and fostering a love for the arts

Founder and Producer

Life in Motion Productions
01.2022 - Current
  • Established Life in Motion Productions to amplify diverse voices and highlight underrepresented stories through art and dance
  • Produced the silent arts activism film Flower, which premiered at Tribeca Festival 2023 and focused on intergenerational equity and the power of dance
  • Dedicated to creating projects that blend performance, advocacy, and storytelling to inspire and inform audiences worldwide

Co-Founder

Greatness Wins
01.2023 - Current
  • Plays a pivotal role in shaping the brand's vision and product offerings. Responsibilities include designing and developing athletic wear that caters to women of all ages and body types, ensuring inclusivity and functionality.

Philanthropy & Advocacy

  • Founder, Misty Copeland Foundation, 2022, Established to provide greater access, equity, and opportunity in ballet for underrepresented communities.
  • Ambassador, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, 2012, Inducted into the National Hall of Fame, Misty mentors and advocates for youth empowerment.
  • Appointee, President's Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition, 2014, Appointed by President Obama to promote healthy, active lifestyles among children and communities nationwide.

Board of Directors

  • Lincoln Center, Board Member DATE - Current
  • The Shed, Board Member DATE - Current

Awards

  • Trailblazer Icon Award, The Grio Awards, 2023
  • Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts, New York University, 2023
  • Spingarn Medal, NAACP, 2021
  • TIME 100 Most Influential People, 2015
  • Honorary Doctorate, University of Hartford, 2014
  • Young, Gifted & Black, Black Girls Rock! Awards, 2013
  • Boys & Girls Clubs National Hall of Fame Induction, 2012
  • Leonore Annenberg Fellowship in the Arts, 2008


Author & Speaker

  • Shares her journey and insights on resilience, representation, and the transformative power of the arts at prestigious events worldwide.
  • The Wind at My Back: Resilience, Grace, and Other Gifts from My Mentor, Raven Wilkinson, 2022
  • Black Ballerinas: My Journey to Our Legacy, 2021
  • Bunheads, 2020
  • Your Life in Motion: A Guided Journal for Discovering the Fire in You, 2018
  • Ballerina Body: Dancing and Eating Your Way to a Leaner, Stronger, and More Graceful You, 2017
  • Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina Young Readers Edition, 2016
  • Firebird, 2014
  • Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina, 2014

Timeline

Co-Founder

Greatness Wins
01.2023 - Current

Founder and Producer

Life in Motion Productions
01.2022 - Current

Founder

Misty Copeland Foundation
01.2022 - Current

Principal Dancer

American Ballet Theatre (ABT)
01.2001 - Current

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